I have a Master's degree in Russian literature and am certified to teach ESOL. I have taught adults at the Defense Language Institute, as well as tutored employees of the State Department. In addition to having grown up in a Russian speaking family, I have also worked as a defense contractor in Russia and lived there for 15 years, so I am familiar with Russian culture, the way it's changed through the ages and how it compares to our culture in the US.
I like to teach all aspects of the language at once, so that there is no time lost between learning grammar and using it to speak, read or listen. I love teaching because I like to help people make the most of themselves and learning a new language is one of the most important things a person who wants to travel or work with people from another country can do. Learning a language takes both time and effort, but once you've learned it, you never forget.
English is my native language and a subject I have always excelled in. I believe that knowing enough English to be able to understand and be understood by English speakers in the U.S. is extremely important to anyone who wants to live and work successfully in a country where people come from various backgrounds and need to be able to communicate with each other in a language that is common to all. I have tutored privately, personalizing the learning process to help individuals address their specific needs and desires. But I also believe that teaching small groups can make learning a language more fun and give people a chance to really utilize what they learn.
I have many years of experience teaching Russian, as well as living and working in Russia. Since I am bilingual, I can easily explain the function of Russian grammar to English speakers, so that they can learn to analyze text and understand the written word from newspapers to literature. I can also help students with listening comprehension and speaking by providing them with materials taken from a wide variety of sources to listen to and then discuss.
Speaking from Day 1 helps people to start thinking in the new language from the beginning of the learning process and creates a foundation to build on. Listening to and discussing YouTube clips, movies, newsreels, stories and ordinary conversations helps to bring the language to life in real time.
If you want to learn either Russian or English from somebody that is proficient in both and loves to teach, please contact me and schedule a lesson. I will be happy to personalize your learning process and help you succeed as long as you have the time to spend and really want to learn.